Boatbuilding News 25.03.22. Feat. Openarc Marine, GT Yachts, MDL Marinas and Tankoa Yachts

??? This week’s boatbuilding news! ???

?? Openarc Marine is developing a new approach to onboard generators for use when cruising under sail.

Its new hydroelectric technology could have worldwide applications and help to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation at sea.

Openarc Marine set out to overcome a number of key drawbacks with conventional systems that couple the turbine directly to the generator, making them drag sensitive and limited in range and output. The Openarc system has an intelligent coupling system able to control drag and open up a wider range of operation with higher energy yields.

Based in Cornwall, Openarc Marine is focused on developing smart marine energy systems. It develops technologies which reduce and eliminate dependence on diesel and petrol fuelled electric generators, control energy collection and consumption, and harvest free energy from the sea.

Openarc Marine’s work has been supported by Marine-i which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Marine-i is designed to help the marine technology sector in Cornwall grow through harnessing the full potential of research and innovation. Therefore, Openarc Marine engaged with Marine-i to get support in developing an operational prototype of the new system, including the build of a full size turbine.

“Our innovative system introduces a completely novel approach to hydro generation, where optimisation of energy conversion efficiency has been reduced in favour of controllability. This has then been augmented by the use of a highly sophisticated control mechanism. This means that the new system can generate electricity at very low speeds, when other generators cannot. Because the amount of drag can be controlled, the user can choose to sacrifice speed to generate more electricity if they wish. This degree of control makes our product unique in the marketplace, creating a significant step forward for our industry”

says Openarc Marine director, Jim Shields

????? UK yacht designer and builder GT Yachts is expanding its presence at MDL’s Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park on the River Hamble.

GT Yachts now occupies the 7600ft2 Building 4?at Mercury Yacht Harbour, marking the beginning of a new era for the yacht building operation, which designs and manufactures high performance offshore cruising yachts.

Mercury Yacht Harbour provides an excellent location for commissioning and trials for owners, making the whole operation from build to delivery very efficient, and all in one place. GT Yachts has previously outsourced all fabrication, assembly, and boatbuilding, this strategic move allows them to build in-house with their own highly skilled team.

“We’re really delighted to be able to help GT Yachts expand its business at our Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park. Knowing that our marinas are helping to facilitate the growth of marine businesses confirms that our provision of commercial buildings is well placed in supporting the marine industry. It’s great to have a UK boat manufacturer on the Hamble and we hope that GT Yachts goes from strength to strength in its new home.”

Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director at MDL comments

Set a mile and a half up the River Hamble, Mercury Yacht Harbour offers deep water berthing for 360 boats up to 24m, with access at all states of tide. Located very close to the village of Hamble-Le-Rice, Mercury Yacht Harbour is one of three MDL marinas on the Hamble.

???? Italian builder, Tankoa have launched the fourth hull in 50m series

Started on spec, this is the first unit in the series to feature a swimming pool on the main deck forward. It also builds on the experience of Bintador’s hybrid propulsion to provide three cruising modes – diesel-mechanical, diesel-electric and full-electric.

By selecting the most appropriate mode of sailing, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption, increase the comfort while cruising at night and extend the servicing time of the main machinery, especially the generators.

The eco-friendly nature of hybrid propulsion means the owner can also access protected areas that other yachts cannot.

Outfitting of the yacht will continue at the shipyard prior to her delivery in late April.

Meanwhile, work is continuing on the fifth hull in the 50m series, which has conventional propulsion and is scheduled for delivery later this year, and a sixth hull has been started on spec.

“As our second yacht with hybrid propulsion, this launch confirms we are at the forefront of technological research in order to meet the needs of even the most sophisticated owners. This time we used the MAN/Siemens system and we are very satisfied with the performance in the various configurations.”

says Tankoa CEO, Vincenzo Poerio.